PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE
After six years post the Doctor Strange movie, finally comes the much-awaited sequel – Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. While the first movie introduced you to the mind-bending world of sorcerers, spells, and multiple dimensions, the second one takes it up many notches.
Benedict Cumberbatch returns to his titular role of Doctor Stephen Strange. Rachel McAdams joins Benedict, reprising her role as Doctor Christine Palmer, a competent and feisty doctor, and the romantic interest. Benedict Wong is back as Wong, the Current Sorcerer Supreme (albeit on a technicality), and Chiwetel Ejiofor returns as Mordo, a friend turned foe to Doctor Strange. The new face joining the super fighting team is a character named America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez). Also joining the cast is the excellent Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff.
SO MUCH RUNNING AND FIGHTING! WHAT A ADRENALINE RUSH!
Right off the gate, the movie hits the ground running. 10 minutes in, we are introduced to America Chavez, the wide-eyed teenager with incredible power, chased by an unknown nemesis, a dark force who wants to steal America’s powers. And naturally, Doctor Strange takes it upon himself to protect the girl from the unseen enemy, who is revealed pretty early on. The revelation of the villain is an incredible twist in itself. From there, with a runtime of just 2 hours 6 minutes, the movie does not take its feet off the accelerator till the very end.
THE WIZARDS BEHIND THE CURTAIN
This time around, Director Sam Raimi is at the helm. His previous works include the original three Spiderman movies starring Tobey Maguire. He also co-wrote and directed Cult classics like The Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2, and Drag me to Hell. Sam is an expert in the gore, campy-horror genre and does not disappoint. He really pushes the boundaries of the PG-13 rating, showcasing some really horrifying, jumping-out-of-the-seat-while-screaming moments.
Michael Waldron pens the Screenplay. He is an Emmy award-winning screenwriter, known for his writing on The Community, Rick and Morty, and Loki to name a few. He is well versed in the world of dark humor and brings it to the screen in hoards.
Danny Elfman scores the background music elevating the scenes to another level. The score creates an environment of dread and horror, keeping the audience tense with anticipation and at the edge of their seats, while the popcorn lies forgotten in the buckets.
SO MANY WORLDS TO TRAVEL TO, BUT SO LITTLE TIME!
However, even with numerous action sequences littered throughout, the plot fails to impress. Holding everything together are the incredible portrayals by the actors and their amazing chemistry. Elizabeth Olsen shines the brightest (or should I say the darkest) and steals the show.
TOO MANY COOKS SPOILED THE BROTH? OR DOES IT SUCCEED TO SHINE?
So, the question you might ask:
Is this the best Marvel movie out there? No.
Is it worth a watch? Definitely yes!
It’s the most horror-inclined Marvel movie till-date with amazing visuals, great acting, fun twists and turns, strong direction, and some incredible almost unbelievable cameos that will leave you well-fed as a fan. It’s one hell of a thrilling ride; start to finish. So, catch the movie at a nearby cinema this weekend!
Additional tips:
Things to watch before watching Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness so that you don’t feel lost:
All of these are available on Disney+Hotstar for your viewing pleasure!